• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.154-164
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• 2018

We investigated the ichthyofauna and fish community structure of the Mudeungsan National Park, Korea from 2014 to 2016 to prepare a conservation plan. We collected 21 species of 6 families collected from 8 survey stations through skimming nets and cast nets during the period. The dominant and subdominant species were Zacco temminckii (43.0%) and Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (15.1%), respectively. The other abundant species were Z. platypus (11.2%), Pungtungia herzi (10.1%), Squalidus gracilis majimae (8.9%), and Z. koreanus (4.5%). Among the fish collection, 13 species (61.9%) were Korean endemic species, but, endangered species and exotic species were not found. Similarity indices based on species composition and abundance showed the clear division of the fish community into two river systems (Yongsan River drainage system (St. 1-7) and Seomjin River drainage system (St. 8)). The Youngsan River system was further divided into the uppermost (St. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7) and the upper-middle (St. 3 and 5) regions. The number of species appearing in a year was similar at 19 to 20 throughout the survey period. However, the individual number of fish in 2015 (2,670) was 20% less than that of 2014 (3,366) and 2016 (3,429), respectively. The probable reason for this decline is the rapid decline of stream level in 2015 compared to the other years. During the survey period, river works were undergoing at 3 out of 8 stations, having created disturbance in fish habitat and especially impacted on benthic fishes.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2005

Urban stream is an important place supporting urban ecosystem. This study was carried out to clarify the role of Jungrangchun for wintering waterbirds in Seoul. We monitored the fluctuation of waterbirds population using our census data (1997/98 winter) and pervious census data (the Ministry of Environment and National Institute of Environmental Research $1999{\sim}2004$). Wintering behaviours of common teals (Anas crecca) were also observed to understand the habitat use of waterbirds in this area. As a result of this, Jungrangchun was an important place to support $3,004\sim8,237$ wintering birds, mainly dabbling ducks and diving ducks. The population of diving ducks showed high annual fluctuation whilst the population of dabbling ducks regularly used this area every year The maximum number of waterbirds foraged and rested in late January and late February. In daily use, the number of waterbirds increased on afternoon and rapidly increased after sunset. It is assumed that waterbirds used this area not only as a nocturnal feeding site but also daytime feeding site. Thus, this result suggest that Jungrangchun is important for not only the daily use but also the nocturnal use of wintering waterbirds. The number of diving ducks was increased with low temperature and high wind speed. Therefore, this area was also a shelter of diving ducks on chilly and windy day.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.419-428
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• 2013

The objectives of this research were to determine ecological characteristics and chemical gradients in two different loach populations-Misgurnus anguillicaudatus ($M_a$) and Koreocobitis rotundicaudata ($K_r$). Eight chemical parameters were compared to test the chemical preferences between the two species. The population of Kr occurred more in better water quality, compared to the $M_a$-population. The $M_a$-population co-occurred more with tolerant species (TS) and omnivores, whereas the $K_r$-population co-occurred more with sensitive species (SS) and insectivores. The differences in the tolerance and trophic composition matched well with the result of stream health assessment, based on the multi-metric model of Index of Biological Integrity (IBI). The IBI value in habitat with the $M_a$-population was "19.6" (range: 8~40) indicating a fair condition, and the IBI values of $K_r$-population was 29.4 (range: 12~40) indicating good condition. Similar results were found in physical habitat health analysis (QHEI). Overall, data analysis showed that the $M_a$-population belong to the tolerant species and $K_r$-population belong to sensitive species in the tolerance classification.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.92-101
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• 2024

Current distribution of Korean Cottus pollux was investigated by conducting field surveys and environmental DNA analysis in September to November 2022 and March to May 2023. As a result of the field survey, the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the uppermost stream of Hyeongsangang River, as well as in Deokdongcheon, Jeolgolcheon, and Hoamcheon Streams. The main habitat of C. pollux was the riffle area in the upper reaches of streams with clean water and boulder-cobble bottoms. As a result of environmental DNA analysis, the samples determined to be positive included all streams in which the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the field survey. In addition, Namcheon and Singwangcheon Streams were determined to be positive, indicating potential as its habitats. Since C. pollux has a narrow distribution area and a small population size, continuous monitoring and conservation measures are required to immediately respond to damage caused by typhoons and river works, which are the main causes of habitat disturbance, in order to maintain a stable population.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2016

The fauna of freshwater fish and water chemistry characteristics were investigated from June, 2014 to October, 2014 at 10 sites in Taebaeksan Provincial Park. A total of 7 species under three families were collected from the survey sites and among them one endangered species - Koreocobitis naktongensis - was identified. The endemic species of Korea were 2 species: Koreocobitis naktongensis, Iksookimia koreensis. Dominant species was Rhynchocypris oxycephalus(89%) and subdominant species was Orthrias nudus(8.9%). Water quality including conductivity, turbidity, pH and total dissolved solids(TDS) varied largely depending on the sampling locations. Values of ambient conductivity and TDS were greater in the upstream than in the downstream, and seasonal variabilities were also higher in the upstream. The pH decreased towards the downstream, and especially showed a sharp decrease in S5. This phenomenon was evident due to a dilution by the influx in the acid mine drainage(AMD) of S4. Physical habit conditions, based on qualitative habitat evaluation index(QHEI) model, indicated a "Sub-optimal" condition(mean: 157.3; range: 78 ~ 194) in the Sodo stream watersheds.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.322-328
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• 2012

To estimate the population size of Miho spine roach (Cobitis choii), one of national monument species in Korea, multiple mark-recapture experiments (Jolly-Seber model) by VIE tagging were conducted in the upper region of the Backgok Stream located in the Kum-River system, Korea. Fish sampling was conducted at four different times from October 5 to October 26, 2011. A total of 335 sampling points were sampled, where the species was determined in 217. The population size was estimated to be 6,143 in this study. Compared to a previous report conducted by the Korean Ministry of Environment (2009), the population size of this species has decreased by 41%. The reasons for population decline are thought to be due to loss of microhabitat, sedimentation, water pollution. Consequently, a habitat restoration program is required to protect the microhabitat and recover the population size in this area.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.424-431
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• 2014

Analysis of the fish community in Yeongwol Hanbando wetland in Korea was investigated from April to October 2012. During the survey period, total 33 species belonged to 10 families and 7,107 individuals. There were 18 Korean endemic species (52.94 %), including to Acheilognathus signifer. Also, the dominant species were Zacco koreanus at St. 1, 2, 3 & 5, as well Acheilognathus signifer at St. 6, and Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpus at St. 7, respectively, and these species were inhabited in the midstream. But at St. 4, Carassius auratus was dominance, so there appeared to characteristics of downstream or lentic habitat. Also, according to the similarity analysis on fish species and their individuals in each sites, they were divided into three major groups (A,B and C). Among them, group C (St. 4) showed the special inverse characteristics as a stagnant pond. unlike the river branch (group A) and anthropogenic disturbances receiving stream point (group B), Therefore, the ecosystem of Yeongwol Hanbando wetland is considered to very unique and these characteristics are not found in other stream ecosystems and it is confidently believed that the ecological value is very high.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.730-744
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• 2016

In this study, fish fauna and stream characteristics were surveyed from June to October of 2014 in 31 sites of 23 small streams of Namhae Island. During the study period, 38 species belonging to 30 genera under 13 families were collected. Cyprinidae and Gobiidae fish occupied 28.9% (11 species) and Cobitidae fish accounted for 10.5% (4 species). The dominant family was Cyprinidae, and the most dominant species was Zacco koreanus with 30.3% (1,089 individuals) of the total. Eight species (33.8%) such as Zacco koreanus, Squalidus gracilis majimae, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Pseudobagrus koreanus, Iksookimia hugowolfeld, Iksookimia longicorpa, Silurus microdorsalis and Liobagrus mediadiposalis were Korean endemic and one species of Micropterus salmoides was exotic. According to the analysis of the community based on the diversity, evenness and richness indices, fish community seems to be more stable in the S7. The small streams were classified into three types of steep mountainous, mountainous-flatland, and flat land streams, and their types were categorized by their features of stream width, water depth, bottom substrate, riparian vegetation, and land use patterns. Principal component analysis based on species abundance classified fish communities into three main groups according to human impact and land-use pattern change. These results suggest that fish community structures were primary affected by the longitudinal environmental changes and these were modified by the habitat condition in accordance with the land use pattern change in the small streams.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.22-32
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• 2015

This study investigated the difference in fish community structures in a main channel and an isolated former channel, considering the environmental factors in the Mangyeong River, Korea. Principal component analysis (PCA) with environmental factors showed that former channels were composed of a fine substrate covered by in-stream vegetation, whereas the main channel was covered by a wide range of substrates with a higher dissolved oxygen and conductivity. The result of the hierarchical cluster analysis with species abundance delineated to the four main groups; three abandoned channel groups and one main channel group. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) showed that fish community structures of each study site differed from environmental factors: former channel fish communities were positively related to in-stream vegetation cover, whereas main channel fish communities were positively associated with dissolved oxygen and conductivity. The results indicated that channelization, where there was a separation between the former channel and the main channel, had detrimental effects on fish community structures of both the main channel and the abandoned channel in the Mangyeong River. In conclusion, this study suggested that the connectivity between the main channel and abandoned channel were required to enhance both habitat structural diversity and species diversity of the Mangyeong River.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 2020

This research analyzed the relationship between environmental factors and the density of Sycios angulatus in the Miho Stream, Geum River water system in order to secure basic data for the control of the ecosystem-distrubing plant Sycios angulatus. As a result of the soil particle size analysis of Sycios angulatus habitat, it was found that the density of Sycios angulatus decreased as the silty and clay contents increased. Most of the Sycios angulatus habitats had high sandy and silt content, and low clay content of less than 2%. The increased flow rate reduced the density of Sicyos angulatus. This is because when the flow rate is increased, the Sicyos angulatus cannot grow due to the change in soil characteristics. Water quality plays a role in supplying nutrients when Sicyos angulatus are submerged. However, due to the change in soil characteristics during flooding, the density of Sicyos angulatus tended to decrease due to impaired growth. The Sicyos angulatus can be managed through artificial and natural techniques. The appropriate natural control technique is the creation of a natural waterway in the habitats to change the water contents.